The two assistants, whose hirings were announced on Thursday, both worked with Jones in his previous head coaching position at North Texas.

Leonard has worked with Jones for the past 12 years, going back to their 2000 season together in Memphis, when Jones was appointed interim coach. Leonard then joined Jones for all 11 of his seasons with the Mean Green.

Forest has spent the past four years on Jones’ North Texas staff. Jones credits Forest with being one of his leading recruiters.

Jones says he has come to rely on Leonard’s strengths in scouting opponents and running practices. Jones says Leonard has a “tremendous basketball mind.”